### In Brief

OpenAI has recently announced a landmark funding achievement, raising **$40 billion** in one of the largest private funding rounds in history, valuing the company at an astounding **$300 billion** post-money. This monumental financing was led by **SoftBank**, with participation from notable investors including **Microsoft**, **Coatue**, **Altimeter**, and **Thrive**.

![OpenAI ChatGPT](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2170386424.jpg?w=1024)
*Image Credits: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto / Getty Images*

According to OpenAI's blog post, this new capital will enable the company to push the **frontiers of AI research**, scale its **compute infrastructure**, and provide increasingly powerful tools for the **500 million users** of ChatGPT each week. OpenAI expressed its enthusiasm about partnering with **SoftBank Group**, emphasizing their expertise in scaling transformative technology.

A significant portion of this funding, approximately **$18 billion**, is earmarked for OpenAI's ambitious **Stargate infrastructure project**, which aims to develop a network of **AI data centers** across the U.S.


OpenAI recently announced that it closed one of the largest private funding rounds in history, led by SoftBank.

OpenAI Secures $40 Billion Funding: A Game Changer for AI Development

### CaaStle's Financial Troubles
CaaStle, a startup founded in **2011** initially as a plus-sized clothing subscription service, has transitioned to an **inventory monetization platform** for clothing retailers. However, the company is currently grappling with significant **financial difficulties**. This troubling news was confirmed to **TechCrunch** following a report by **Axios**.

### Key Developments
In a letter from the board, it was disclosed that the company is nearly **out of funds**. CEO **Christine Hunsicker** has stepped down from both her CEO position and the board. Furthermore, law enforcement is now involved to investigate **alleged financial misconduct**.

The company has also announced that it has **furloughed all employees**. In a statement, they expressed, “The Board is deeply disappointed by the conduct that has led to this moment. Our immediate focus is on addressing the company’s challenges, supporting our employees, and preserving the value of our technology and business operations.”

### Financial Background
CaaStle has raised over **$530 million** in total funding, with its latest round bringing in **$43 million** in **2019**, according to estimates by **PitchBook**.

### Allegations Against Former CEO
The board has accused Hunsicker of misleading investors regarding the company’s **financial performance** and misrepresenting its capital and outstanding shares, including two purportedly **falsified audit opinions**. Reports indicate that just days before her resignation, Hunsicker was actively fundraising while asserting the company’s financial health.

### Broader Implications
Axios has indicated that if the board’s allegations are substantiated, it could lead to one of the largest cases of **fraud** in startup history. Comparatively, the recent case of **Charlie Javice**, founder of the student loan application startup **Frank**, who was found guilty of defrauding **JPMorgan** for **$175 million**, underscores the severity of such allegations, especially as CaaStle's investment figures are **three times larger**.

Industry experts warn that **2025** is poised to be another challenging year for failed startups, hinting at a broader trend in the startup ecosystem.

CaaStle, a startup that launched in 2011 as a plus-sized clothing subscription service and later became an inventory monetization platform for clothing

CaaStle Faces Financial Crisis: CEO Resigns Amid Allegations of Misconduct

### A Game-Changer for Tax Season

Accounting software company **Open Ledger** has launched a new product just in time for tax day: **PokéTax**. This innovative game makes tax filing enjoyable by turning it into a **Pokémon-style showdown**. Instead of filling out tedious tax forms, users battle against **Tax Trainers**—gym leaders who represent different sections of a tax form, such as income, deductions, and credits. Each trainer poses questions that help players complete their tax filings.

![PokéTax](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OpenLedger-PokeTax.png)
*Image Credits: Open Ledger*

“Once you finish your PokéTax run, we guide you to the **IRS Direct File** site to officially submit,” said Open Ledger co-founder **Pryce Adade-Yebesi**. He emphasized that this is not an April Fool’s joke, stating, “This is real; it works. Tax fraud isn’t funny—and neither is the IRS.”

Adade-Yebesi and co-founder **Ashtyn Bell** launched Open Ledger earlier this year, raising **$3 million** in funding from **Kindred Ventures** and **Black Ventures**. The game, which is open-source, originated as a lighthearted concept: “Could we actually pull this off?” They clearly did.

The game features an **AI assistant** to help users organize their responses, and players can earn **badges** by discovering new deductions while battling the Tax Trainers.

![PokéTax Gameplay](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22.png)
*Image Credits: Open Ledger*

Unlike other attempts to gamify tax filing, such as the **dating-style game Tax Heaven 3000**, PokéTax aims to make the process more engaging and less daunting. “Taxes are such an unloved part of being a good citizen,” Adade-Yebesi said, “but by adding fun to financial processes, we can make them more engaging and way less soul-sucking.”

**Taxes are due April 15.**

Accounting software company Open Ledger has launched a new product in time for tax day.  Meet PokéTax, a game that helps make tax filing quite fun.

Transforming Tax Season into a Fun Game: Discover PokéTax!

### A **Legal Showdown** in the AI Healthcare Sector

A **messy legal battle** is brewing in the market for AI that reviews health insurance claims. Palantir Technologies, valued at **$198 billion**, has filed a lawsuit against **Y Combinator-backed startup Guardian AI** and its founders—former employees of Palantir’s healthcare division. The suit alleges **brazen trade secret theft** in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

![Palantir cofounder and CEO Alex Karp](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67eb206926c51330532e012b/Palantir-cofounder-and-CEO-Alex-Karp/0x0.jpg?fit=scale)

Palantir claims that founders **Mayank Jain** and **Pranav Pillai**, who worked at the company from **2022 to 2024**, stole trade secrets to launch Guardian AI, aimed at assisting healthcare providers in fighting insurance claim denials. According to the lawsuit, Jain and Pillai sought to **commercialize Palantir’s projects for their own financial gain** while still employed.

> “Pillai and Jain took Palantir’s work and applied to a startup incubator to commercialize these projects for their own financial gain,” the suit states. 

This legal dispute is part of a larger trend as **health insurers increasingly leverage AI** to assess claims. Companies like Claimable and FightHealthInsurance.com are emerging to challenge insurance denials, highlighting the growing intersection of technology and healthcare.

### Palantir's Healthcare Division

Palantir is known for its defense work but has a significant healthcare division, which Jeremy David, Palantir’s co-head of healthcare, states accounts for about **15% of the company’s commercial business**. The division has developed AI-driven software to help healthcare providers manage insurance denials, aiming to reduce unpaid bills and administrative burdens.

The lawsuit asserts that Jain and Pillai secured **$500,000 from Y Combinator** and incorporated Guardian AI shortly after leaving Palantir. Within weeks of their resignation, they reportedly claimed to have saved clients over **$150,000** with their AI solution.

Palantir is seeking **treble damages** and attorney’s fees, alongside plans to initiate arbitration against Jain and Pillai to reclaim compensation. The company reported a **$2.9 billion revenue** in 2024, a **29% increase** from the previous year, and is expected to exceed **$3.7 billion for 2025**.

### Industry Implications

As the lawsuit unfolds, it underscores the competitive landscape in AI healthcare solutions, where companies are racing to leverage technology for better claims management amidst rising scrutiny over insurance practices. Palantir's healthcare division has seen a staggering **267% growth** from 2020 to mid-2022, indicating the potential for significant market disruption.

Neither Palantir nor its legal representatives have commented on the lawsuit as of yet.

Former Palantir employees Mayank Jain and Pranav Pillai started Guardian AI to help healthcare providers fight insurance claim denials. Now their former employer is suing them for allegedly stealing trade secrets.

Palantir Takes Legal Action Against Startup Guardian AI for Alleged Trade Secret Theft

### Dan Abrams Ventures into New Media

Dan Abrams, renowned for his contributions to journalism, is **actively raising funds** for his latest venture in the media industry. This new startup aims to redefine how news is delivered and consumed in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

With a **strong background** in media and law, Abrams is well-poised to leverage his experience and insights to create a platform that resonates with a **modern audience**. The startup promises to focus on **transparency**, **accuracy**, and **engagement**, catering to the evolving needs of consumers.

### Fundraising Goals

Abrams is seeking to attract investors who share his vision for a **new type of media**. The funds raised will be crucial for developing the platform's technology and expanding its reach. Investors are encouraged to align with a project that not only aims for profitability but also seeks to make a **positive impact** in the media space.

### The Vision Ahead

As the media landscape continues to shift, Abrams’ startup could potentially play a pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism. With a commitment to **innovation** and **integrity**, this endeavor is one to watch as it unfolds in the coming months.

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Dan Abrams' Bold Move: Launching a New Media Startup and Fundraising Efforts

### Bridging the Gap for Hispanic Immigrants

While pursuing their MBAs at **Harvard Business School**, Colombian immigrants **Stephanie Murra** and **Lorenza Vélez** observed a significant challenge faced by Hispanic workers: **finding jobs** in the U.S. due to language barriers. Many of these workers, primarily employed in cafeterias, struggled to secure positions because they often lacked English proficiency and were unfamiliar with the technology used in traditional job applications.

### The Birth of Ponte Labor

Recognizing the **labor shortage** in the U.S., particularly for low-skilled positions, Murra and Vélez founded **Ponte Labor** in April 2023. Their startup aims to connect **legally authorized Hispanic immigrants** with job opportunities in industries like **hospitality, construction, and retail**. They leverage **WhatsApp**, the preferred communication channel for many immigrants, to facilitate the hiring process.

### Innovative Hiring Platform

Ponte Labor's platform pre-vets, matches, and onboards workers more efficiently than traditional methods. Employers can hire candidates directly, saving costs and gaining access to a wider talent pool. This model not only benefits employers but also provides workers with access to job opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Each candidate is pre-vetted for **legal work authorization** before being presented to employers.

### Rapid Growth and Success

Since launching in November 2023, Ponte has onboarded over **60,000 candidates** and placed nearly **800 workers** in hospitality roles, achieving an annualized net revenue growth from **$70,000** to **$550,000**. The startup recently raised a **$3 million seed round**, boosting its valuation to **$15 million**.

### A Focus on Community

With over **95%** of its candidates being Hispanic immigrants, Ponte has built trust within the community by tailoring its approach to their specific needs. The founders aim to not only help these workers find jobs but also assist them in achieving their **professional goals**, including learning English to enhance their career growth.

### Looking Ahead

Ponte plans to expand beyond hospitality into other sectors such as **construction** and **elder care**. The founders envision creating tools that cater to diverse immigrant communities, ensuring that their platform remains **language-agnostic**. Their ultimate goal is to empower Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. to achieve their **professional aspirations** and break through barriers to advancement.

While working on their MBAs at Harvard Business School, Colombian immigrants Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez noticed that most of the workers in the

Unlocking Opportunities: How Ponte Labor Connects Hispanic Immigrants to Jobs via WhatsApp

## From Nurse to Entrepreneur

Meet **Mike O’Dell**, a 50-year-old nurse anesthetist from Oklahoma City who has turned his **hobby of quilting** into a thriving business, **Legit Kits**, generating over **$1.4 million** in revenue last year.

### The Journey Begins
In **2018**, O’Dell started quilting by creating a Star Wars stormtrooper quilt for his sons. Using a technique called **foundation paper piecing**, he found the process surprisingly easy. This sparked an idea: to streamline the process and sell **quilting kits** featuring licensed images of nature, animals, and characters.

### The Birth of Legit Kits
By **2020**, Legit Kits was born. O’Dell's innovative business model allows beginners to create beautiful quilts with ease. Last year, his company reported sales of **over $1.25 million** through Shopify, with an additional **$150,000** from sales at Joann Fabrics and Crafts, despite the chain's bankruptcy announcement.

### Balancing Act
O’Dell manages to balance his role as **CEO and creative director** of Legit Kits while working four days a week as a nurse. He dedicates one day to his business and oversees a team of seven full-time staff and four freelance designers. His marketing efforts, including promoting on **social media** and participating in crafting groups, have even landed him a spot on **ABC’s Shark Tank**.

### The Financials
Despite impressive revenue, Legit Kits only broke even last year due to high costs, including a **$4,500 monthly rent** for a manufacturing space. O’Dell plans to pay himself **$50,000** this year, alongside his **$240,000** nursing salary. While he acknowledges the stress of juggling both roles, he finds the entrepreneurial journey rewarding.

### Beyond Profit
For O’Dell, Legit Kits is more than just a source of income; it’s a **labor of love** that provides fulfillment beyond his healthcare career. His story illustrates that it’s possible to turn a hobby into a lucrative side business, especially with the rise of online platforms like **Shopify**. His innovative approach not only preserves a traditional craft but also inspires others to explore entrepreneurship.

O’Dell’s commitment to his passion and resilience in the face of challenges make Legit Kits a noteworthy venture to follow. His journey serves as a testament to the fact that entrepreneurship involves creativity, dedication, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, not just financial success.

Mike O’Dell is no ordinary nurse anesthetist. He’s also the innovator behind a lucrative side hustle that reeled…

How a Nurse Transformed His Quilting Passion into a $1.4 Million Business

### **Starfive Technology: A New Era in Chip Design**

Shanghai Starfive Technology is making waves in the semiconductor industry with its innovative chips based on **RISC-V**, an open-source architecture that breaks away from traditional Western designs like Intel’s x86 and Arm. This strategic move comes at a time when **China** is intensifying efforts to establish semiconductor self-sufficiency amidst escalating tensions with the **U.S.**.

### **A Unique Approach**
Unlike many startups that rush to market, Starfive, backed by Hong Kong billionaire **Peter Lee**, is adopting a **calculated strategy**. The company began by focusing on a niche product: a RISC-V chip for **smart gas meters**. This product aligns perfectly with Lee’s other ventures, as his company, Hong Kong & China Gas, has already purchased **4 million** chips since their launch in late 2022.

### **Expanding Horizons: Data Centers**
Starfive is now turning its attention to the booming **data center** sector, with plans to mass-produce a RISC-V chip for data center management later this year. They have secured a significant partnership with **Xfusion Digital Technologies**, a spinoff of tech giant **Huawei**.

![Peter Lee](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67eb89f1b60a0f0e30597dd9/Peter-Lee/1960x0.jpg?fit=scale)
*Peter Lee, co-chairman of Henderson Land and founder of Full Vision Capital, speaks at a press conference announcing Starfive's partnership with Xfusion in Hong Kong on March 22, 2024.*

### **The RISC-V Advantage**
Starfive is one of the pioneering firms in **China's RISC-V chip** landscape, competing with renowned players like **Alibaba** and **Huawei**. The open-source nature of RISC-V allows China to reduce its dependency on Western technology, especially as the U.S. tightens access to advanced chips. The Chinese government is poised to promote RISC-V chips nationwide, ensuring a robust market for Starfive’s innovations.

### **Strong Backing and Future Prospects**
Founded in **2018**, Starfive has attracted significant investments from various entities, including **Baidu** and state-backed funds. Lee's foresight in establishing a RISC-V division in China has proven prescient, as the company continues to garner investor interest amidst a growing demand for alternative chip solutions.

### **Strategic Focus on Domain-Specific Applications**
Starfive aims to avoid the pitfalls of chasing trends like AI, choosing instead to focus on **domain-specific applications**. Their smart gas meter chips serve as a prime example of addressing immediate market needs. The company has also developed a **data center management chip**, designed for remote server control, set to be sold to Xfusion starting in early 2026.

As demand for **RISC-V** technology surges, Starfive remains committed to a careful and strategic expansion, ensuring that each product is developed with precision and purpose.

Shanghai Starfive Technology’s chips are based on RISC-V, which, unlike Intel’s x86 and Arm, is an open-source design that’s not controlled by a Western company.

OpenAI Secures $40 Billion Funding: A Game Changer for AI Development

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Other Latest News

CaaStle Faces Financial Crisis: CEO Resigns Amid Allegations of Misconduct

Transforming Tax Season into a Fun Game: Discover PokéTax!

Palantir Takes Legal Action Against Startup Guardian AI for Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Dan Abrams' Bold Move: Launching a New Media Startup and Fundraising Efforts

Unlocking Opportunities: How Ponte Labor Connects Hispanic Immigrants to Jobs via WhatsApp

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Other Latest News

CaaStle Faces Financial Crisis: CEO Resigns Amid Allegations of Misconduct

Transforming Tax Season into a Fun Game: Discover PokéTax!

Palantir Takes Legal Action Against Startup Guardian AI for Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Dan Abrams' Bold Move: Launching a New Media Startup and Fundraising Efforts

Unlocking Opportunities: How Ponte Labor Connects Hispanic Immigrants to Jobs via WhatsApp

How a Nurse Transformed His Quilting Passion into a $1.4 Million Business

Unveiling Starfive: The Chinese Startup Revolutionizing Chip Technology Without Western Dependency